Johannesburg – Blue Flats Hostel residents in Enhlanzeni, situated in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, are living in unacceptable and dangerous living conditions.
Mervyn Cirota Democratic Alliance (DA) MPL and Gauteng Shadow MEC for Human Settlements on Tuesday, (6 May 2025), said a devastating fire last year destroyed many units, leaving residents displaced without homes and being placed in poorly constructed temporary units.
“The Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara, and the City of Ekurhuleni must prioritise the repair of this hostel to ensure that the victims have dignified housing,” said Cirota.
“During an oversight inspection of Blue Flats Hostel, DA delegation found the building in complete disarray.”
Cirota said the upper half of the right side was destroyed by fire, leaving the roof missing and many windows broken.
“Furthermore, the failure to carry out necessary repairs since the fire has led to dampness on the lower floors, posing a health hazard,” said Cirota.
“Additionally, the DA discovered inadequate temporary corrugated iron units set up to house those affected by the fire, which is an unsatisfactory solution.”
Cirota said the DA has consistently urged Premier Lesufi and MEC Motara to take decisive action in implementing the Gauteng Hostel Redevelopment Plan, transforming this and other decaying hostels into viable family units.
“We have also emphasised the importance of collaboration between provincial and local governments since nothing ever gets done when the two work in isolation.
“Premier Lesufi continues to boast about transforming Gauteng hostels, yet his government fails to fix the hostels and residents are living in inhumane, unsanitary, and appalling conditions,” said Cirota.
“A caring DA-led Gauteng provincial government would ensure that local and provincial authorities work together to urgently repair the Blue Flats Hostel, preventing potential disasters and health risks.
“Additionally, we will ensure that residents have access to proper accommodation while the repairs are underway.”
Cirota said the DA was committed to improving the living conditions of hostel residents, “who have been exploited as a tool for Lesufi’s political manoeuvres, leading to a cycle of promises that ultimately produce no meaningful change”.
